The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT( on Depression, Death Anxiety and Life Expectancy in Elderly Women

Abstract

Introduction: The world's population is rapidly aging. Mental health is vital in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Depression, Death Anxiety and Life Expectancy in the Elderly. Method: This study is an experimental research with pre and post-test approach. The statistical population was all elderly women in the 3rd, 7th and 1st districts of Tehran referring to health centers. All participants (30 people) that were selected through Random Stratified Sampling, completed Miller's Life Expectancy, Depression in the elderly and Templar death anxiety. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of grouped Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and statistical analysis of variance (Mixed Model ANOVA) analysis. Results: Findings showed that there is a significant difference between the scores of life expectancy (F (1,22) = 35/34, P=0/000), depression (F (1,22) = 39/55, P = 0/000), and death anxiety (F (1,22) = 4/66, P = 0/042) in both pre-test and post-test levels according to the experimental and control groups. As a result, treatment has been effective in the experimental group. Conclusion: Old age is one of the important factors of disability, the use of short-term and low-cost treatment methods to increase the performance of the elderly is essential and important. With regard to the results of the research, group-based mind-awareness can be a good option.